Lead Teacher of Computer Science
Pleckgate High School wishes to appoint an experienced and well qualified candidate as a Lead Teacher of Computer Science to further enhance the teaching and learning within the department. This is a special opportunity for a candidate who has an interest and understanding of pedagogy in Computer Science, an ability to coach colleagues, provide feedback and can work closely with network and other organisations, so that we are at the forefront of teaching and learning best practice.
What does this job do?- Consistently modelling high quality teaching, providing models of excellence for other teachers in the department. To be able/willing to demonstrate excellent practice to others.
- To contribute to raising standards of pupil attainment and achievement in computer science. To enable all staff to use well-judged and imaginative teaching strategies to provide support and intervention to meet the needs of individual learners in order that they make at least good progress relative to their starting point.
- To lead the development and implementation of departmental teaching and learning policies aligned with current computer science pedagogical research.
- Maintain awareness of current computer science research and ensure departmental approaches reflect best practice.
- Develop research-based marking policies that prioritise actionable feedback and is implemented across the department to support pupils progress including opportunities to identify and address specific misconceptions and gaps in computer science knowledge
- To secure the promotion of high levels of enthusiasm for, participation in and commitment to, learning amongst all pupils by working with other teachers to develop their practice.
- Being a member of the Teaching and Learning team who will plan and deliver the whole school and computer science-specific CPD, being part of the strategic direction of the quality of education across the school.
- Hold QTS (or equivalent) and a relevant undergraduate degree, and be able to show evidence of ongoing professional development.
- Demonstrate outstanding teaching practice and excellent behaviour management.
- Knowledge of effective teaching and learning strategies and how children learn computer science.
- Have a keen interest in subject specific pedagogy, reading and research which is evidenced in teaching practice.
- Evidence of commitment to extracurricular and enrichment provision.
- Have experience of observing lessons, coaching and mentoring colleagues, having a positive impact on their development.
- Have experience of improvement planning and of implementing a range of strategies to raise pupil achievement, with evidence of success.
- Evidence of contributions to curriculum development.
- Have a proven track record of excellent results at KS3 and 4.
- Have experience of high-quality pupil tracking, reporting and feedback practices.
- Ideally, have experience of working in more than one school.
- Knowledge of guidance and requirements around safeguarding children.
About Pleckgate High School:
We are a large secondary school, part of the Education Partnership Trust (EPT), situated on the northern outskirts of Blackburn. Our school community is made up of 1350 students and 180 staff with excellent facilities to benefit both the school and local community.Pleckgate High School is a thriving multicultural community that places the best interests of young people at the heart of everything we do.
We are an ambitious school with high expectations for ourselves and our pupils. We are committed to providing excellent teaching and learning and we want all our pupils to be safe, happy and successful. In our Ofsted report in June 2024, our school was described as offering a “harmonious and supportive environment.Pupils learn the importance of being kind and respectful towards others”. Every pupil at Pleckgate is encouraged to have ambitious goals and to work hard. A copy of our full report is available from the school website.
We are proud of our achievements – our ambitious curriculum, our examination success, opportunities for pupils' personal development, our charity work and our community involvement. We are significantly oversubscribed and pupils achieve positive outcomes at Pleckgate.
We are significantly oversubscribed and pupils achieve positive outcomes at Pleckgate. We are proud of how staff support pupils in achieving success both academically and through sport.
As a staff member of Pleckgate High School, you will be able to take advantage of the staff benefits, available through the EPT, which includes access to both the Simply Health and Discount for Teachers schemes. We also have an Associate member of our Senior Leadership Team whose role is to work with our staff on staff wellbeing, working to ensure you have a balanced home and work life-style.
If you have any questions about our school, or the role itself, please don't hesitate to get in touch and please visit our school website http://www.pleckgate.com to get a flavour of what we have to offer.
Our extensive range of rewards and benefits include:
- Healthcare cash back plan provided free by the Trust including optical, dental, physio, diagnostics, health assessment, NHS prescription charges, hospital cover, discounted gym memberships plus lots more.
- Employee Assistance Programme including counselling, CBT, wellbeing and bereavement support.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Electric Car Scheme (Salary Sacrifice)
- Automatic annual pay progression for all teachers
- Membership of the Teachers’ pension scheme (TPS) with employer contributions of 23.68%.
- Free parking
- On-going CPD
- Training and development opportunities
- Personal development and promotion opportunities across the Trust
- Trust wide focus on staff wellbeing
- Trust wide Intranet to share knowledge and resources
Incomplete application forms will not be shortlisted, if you need to discuss a reason for being unable to complete a section, please contact the recruitment team HR@ept-uk.com
We warmly welcome a visit to the school or an informal conversation prior to application. Please contact Mary Wade - mwade@pleckgate.com
Please be advised, as part of due diligence checks, online searches will be carried out on shortlisted candidates.
Safeguarding Information
The Education Partnership Trust is committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
The post you are applying for is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013). All offers of employment are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, references, an online search, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed.
Education Partnership Trust is also committed to promoting equality, challenging discrimination and developing community cohesion. We welcome applications from all sections of the community.